Top 5 Ophthalmic Products of 2015 My Practice Can’t Live Without!

Here are the top 5 ophthalmic products my practice is most excited about in 2015!

1. Clariti/Fresh Day Lenses

Clariti lenses are the newest addition to Coopervision® product catalog. Several months ago, Coopervision® acquired Sauflon. Sauflon products were new to us in the states, but have been the #1 prescribed daily lens in Europe. As a Vision Source member, I got my fitting set first, and have been fitting these wonderful ophthalmic products since last May. Both my patients and I have become big fans of the lenses!

Clariti (Vision Source branded as Fresh DayTM) has a dk/t of 86, with the lowest modulus of any daily lens. This reduces lens awareness and enhances patient comfort. The lens also has built in UV protection. What I love most about the lens is that it is a silicone hydrogel at a hydrogel price. The patient gets to experience the benefits of a silicone lens without the price tag, which makes it more attractive for millennials to purchase a year’s supply. In addition, toric and multifocal options are also available. For practice owners, this lens is also part of UPP pricing, priced at a minimum of $65.00; therefore, the profit margin is substantially better than many other daily lens.

2. Custom Sun Clips

This has become the biggest thing at 4 Eyes the last couple of months. Ever since we received our first custom clip order from Arnold at CustomEyes, we’ve become obsessed! The guy is a creative genius and can match colors exactly. This particular ophthalmic product has been a great addition to a unique high-end frame or as another option vs. transitions. Lenses can be polarized, tinted, mirrored and can even be made with backside AR for added protection. Celebrities like John Mayer have made custom clips fashionable! Below is the first clip he created for one of our patients. Additionally, it’s a private pay transaction and one that is guaranteed to bring in niche patients.

3. AFrames Eyewear

We are suckers at 4 Eyes for independent eyewear and for those who respect a brick and mortar approach. AFrames first contacted me citing our shared mission and passion for independent eyewear. They wanted to be a part of our indie optical in Charlotte. In a world of fly-by-night internet frame vendors, we adore their statement,

“While we love the innovative business models currently disrupting the eyewear industry, we believe that your local optical[…]should be the one to fill your prescription. AFrames cannot give you the special care and attention that your local optical shop can provide, so we want to let the pros do their job.”

Most importantly, their frames are produced of the highest quality Italian Mazzucchelli acetate, and they donate $2.00 from the sale of each frame to Helen Keller International. Helen Keller International distributes Vitamin A supplements around the world. According to their website, 1 million children die or go blind from Vitamin A deficiency each year.

Everyone loves doing good.

4. Coopervision® Consumer Mobile App

Our patients are one download away from an extra $10 rebate with this app! It’s simple to use. Simply have the patient download the app to their mobile device in your office using the QR code provided by Coopervision® or visit the website. Once downloaded, they are also able to submit their rebate electronically and avoid the US Postal system and buying a stamp. Who doesn’t like an extra $10.49? They can also set up reminders to change their contacts which increases compliance and delivers them back into your office sooner. Win-win-win!

5. EMR Patient Portal

Shot of Personal Health Record

If your EMR system has a patient portal and you are not using it, you are missing out! We start the involvement process when the patient calls to make an appointment. We provide them with a username, temporary computer generated password, as well as directions to go online and complete the preliminary patient interview.

The patient interview asks them about their eye history as well as products they may be interested in. This allows me to prepare for questions, or recommend products they may desire. It also gives them access to their bills for HSA purposes, upcoming appointments, and clinical summaries. They are also able to communicate with us through the patient portal.

If your office is participating in meaningful use, you are probably using this feature, but if not, the millennials will love this about your office!

What are some ophthalmic products YOUR office can’t live without? Comment below!

About Courtney Dryer

Courtney Dryer is a 2011 graduate of SCO. She opened 4 Eyes Optometry in her hometown of Charlotte, NC in February of 2013. After 5 years, the practice name was changed to Autarchic Spec Shop to renew the practice's commitment to independent optometry. In addition to consulting with new graduate optometrists on start-up practices, she contributes regularly to New Grad Optometry and has guest blogged for Invision Magazine. The unique design of her boutique practice was featured in Women in Optometry. In 2015, Vision Monday named her a Rising Star, and one of the most influential women in optical.